Private School Cost: Minneapolis vs Raleigh
Raleigh averages $2,000/year less for private school (15% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $26,000 per child.
Bottom Line
Raleigh is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $13,000/year vs $15,000/year in Minneapolis. Religious schools run $8,200/year on the low end.
Minneapolis
MN
$15,000
avg tuition/year
Raleigh
NC
$13,000
avg tuition/year
Tuition by School Type & Grade
| Category | Minneapolis | Raleigh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Schools (Average) | $15,000/yr | $13,000/yr | +$2,000 |
| Religious Schools | $9,200/yr | $8,200/yr | +$1,000 |
| Independent/Prep | $27,500/yr | $24,500/yr | +$3,000 |
| Elementary (K-5) | $12,200/yr | $10,600/yr | +$1,600 |
| Middle School (6-8) | $15,000/yr | $13,000/yr | +$2,000 |
| High School (9-12) | $18,500/yr | $16,000/yr | +$2,500 |
K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)
Minneapolis
$195,000
Raleigh
$169,000
Choosing Raleigh saves $26,000 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $52,000.
Sample Schools
Minneapolis
Blake School
Independent · PK–12 · $34,800-$37,200/yr
Breck School
Independent · PK–12 · $28,400/yr
Minnehaha Academy
Christian · PK–12 · $16,200-$17,800/yr
De La Salle High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $15,800/yr
Raleigh
Ravenscroft School
Independent · PK–12 · $26,800-$29,200/yr
Cardinal Gibbons High School
Catholic · 9–12 · $14,400/yr
Cary Academy
Independent · 6–12 · $22,400-$24,800/yr
Raleigh Charter High School
Charter (Free) · 9–12
Related Comparisons
About This Comparison
This comparison uses NCES Private School Universe Survey data, adjusted for metro-level cost-of-living differences. "Average tuition" blends religious schools (Catholic, Christian) and independent day/prep schools. Religious schools typically cost 60-70% less than independent schools in the same city.
Grade-level estimates (elementary, middle, high) are derived from the city average using national grade-level multipliers. High school tuition typically runs 15-25% above the city average; elementary runs 10-20% below.